Q Poll: NYers Prefer ‘Vegas-Style’ Casinos To Fracking

New Yorkers support allowing hydrofracking in the Marcellus Shale by a slim margin, but much prefer the legalization of “Vegas-style” non-Indian casinos as a means of jump-starting the state’s economy, according to today’s Q poll.

But 47 percent of upstaters, who would be more impacted by hydrofracking, are opposed, compared to 43 percent in favor.

NYC voters are split 41-41 on fracking, while suburbanites back it 56-31. Generally speaking, Republicans are more in favor (69-20) than Democrats, (35-52).

If hydrofracking is approved, then the companies that secure permits should be taxed, according to 51 percent of New Yorkers polled. Seventy-four percent believe drilling will create more jobs, but they also feel – 51-13, with 35 percent undecided/don’t know – it will damage the environment.

On non-Indian gaming – an issue on which Gov. Andrew Cuomo says he’ll have a position by January – New Yorkers are more in favor, supporting (56-37) the idea of the creation of casinos similar to those found in Las Vegas or Atlantic City.

“Roll the dice. Spin the wheel. Hit me. New Yorkers of every stripe say what stays in Vegas should stay in the Empire State as well,” said Q poll spokesman Mickey Carroll.

“Casinos would be good for the economy, voters think, but they also think there’d be an increase in gambling addiction.”